Newberry Crater

DSC_4188

After a quick stop at the Lava Lands visitor center, we drove up to Lava Butte for the morning view. The fore lookout at the top is still active.

DSC_4189

South Sister and Broken Top, from Lava Butte. Clouds over the Cascades, but still some good views.

DSC_4192

Mount Bachelor from Lava Butte.

DSC_4199

In Newberry Crater, Sue is at the Big Obsidian Trailhead. This is a short 0.7 mile loop through the lava flow.

DSC_4201

And here is the information on the types of lava in the flow. Probably more glassy obsidian than you will see anywhere.

DSC_4203

A small lake at the foot of the flow; note there is a bit of snow on the lava.

DSC_4204

Pieces of obsidian were used in a retaining wall next to the trail.

DSC_4209

The trail wends its way through the obsidian and pumice

DSC_4214

Sue is standing next to a large piece of obsidian. Temperature was around 40, with a breeze, so still a bit chilly.

DSC_4219

Looking across Paulina Lake, Mount Bachelor is peaking over the Newberry Crater Rim

DSC_4220

Here and there, a few pines are struggling to survive on the lava flow, which is only about 1300 years old.

DSC_4223

Paulina Peak, along the caldera's rim.

DSC_4227

Following the trail through the obsidian.

DSC_4232

This is what the trail's surface looks like. It's good to have thick vibram soles!

DSC_4237

OK, now we are off to hike to Cinder Hill. By GPS, the actual mileage was 3.4 (6.8, round trip) and about 1300 ft total elevation gain.

DSC_4239

The trail ascends, gradually at first, through thick Lodgepole Pine forest.

DSC_4241

A little higher, and we are walking in a couple of inches of early fall snow.

DSC_4244

Here is the final pitch up to the eponymous Cinder Hill.

DSC_4245

From Cinder Hill, the view of East Lake, the Newberry Crater rim, and Paulina Peak. The crater is about 4.5 miles across.

DSC_4247

A closer view of Paulina Peak; below you can see the mile-long obsidian flow that we hiked on earlier.

DSC_4250

Time to hurry back, or we will be late for the rehearsal dinner!